CROWDS descended on Windermere Jetty Museum for the second Windermere Science Festival.

Over the weekend more than 1,000 people attended while a further 1,000 children engaged with their science outreach in schools.

The entire venue came alive with science from Dan Fox’s stunning sound sculptures to the 1911 Waterbird seaplane replica.

R2-D2 and Chewbacca delighted the crowds and Windermere Lake Cruises swung by for tourists to wave hello. 

BBC presenter Greg Foot shared his insights into science and fascinated audiences by introducing them to the newly discovered Hoff crab.

The festival took to the water as canoeists learnt about the ecology of Windermere with Dr. Ellie Mackay and visitors learnt about local ornithology whilst taking a trip on a heritage boat.

Budding marine engineers were able to build and paddled their own handmade cardboard boats, 75 paper boats raced across the museum’s pond.

Professor Pumpernickel and Kerry Jay thrilled with their science entertainment shows, the Royal Society of Chemistry, Artfly and James Cropper hosted brilliant interactive demonstrations.

Lakeland Arts MEND van offered creative activities, Langdale CofE Primary School and Crosthwaite CofE Primary School led pollinators activities, and Captain Andy Brown talked about the importance of pollinators for us all.

Visitors enjoyed talks from the British Antarctic Survey and the museum’s senior conservation boatbuilder Stephen Beresford.

Those who attended Dr Katherine Harkup’s talk on the science of James Bond were served delicious Bond themed cocktails by Bowness’ Arts Bar while they listened.

The festival was commissioned in partnership with Lakeland Arts, the charity that runs Windermere Jetty Museum.

The festival’s director Nick Greenall said: “Amidst all the fun there was much serious science taking place. I hope we’ve demonstrated that science is for everyone and that it can be a fantastic adventure no matter where your scientific interest may lie. Many thanks to all our contributors and especially our partners Lakeland Arts for making this festival such a success.”

Rhian Harris, chief executive of Lakeland Arts said: “It was brilliant to see so many young people and their families engaging with science right across our Windermere Jetty Museum site.”